Verse 1
1. But—in contrast to the prophets "moved by the Holy Ghost" ( :-).
also—as well as the true prophets ( :-). Paul had already testified the entrance of false prophets into the same churches.
among the people—Israel: he is writing to believing Israelites primarily (see on :-). Such a "false prophet" was Balaam ( :-).
there shall be—Already symptoms of the evil were appearing (2 Peter 2:9-22; Judges 1:4-13).
false teachers—teachers of falsehood. In contrast to the true teachers, whom he exhorts his readers to give heed to (2 Peter 3:2).
who—such as (literally, "the which") shall.
privily—not at first openly and directly, but by the way, bringing in error by the side of the true doctrine (so the Greek): Rome objects, Protestants cannot point out the exact date of the beginnings of the false doctrines superadded to the original truth; we answer, Peter foretells us it would be so, that the first introduction of them would be stealthy and unobserved (2 Peter 3:2- :).
damnable—literally, "of destruction"; entailing destruction (2 Peter 3:2- :) on all who follow them.
heresies—self-chosen doctrines, not emanating from God (compare "will-worship," Colossians 2:23).
even—going even to such a length as to deny both in teaching and practice. Peter knew, by bitter repentance, what a fearful thing it is to deny the Lord (Luke 22:61; Luke 22:62).
denying—Him whom, above all others, they ought to confess.
Lord—"Master and Owner" (Greek), compare Luke 22:62- :, Greek. Whom the true doctrine teaches to be their OWNER by right of purchase. Literally, "denying Him who bought them (that He should be thereby), their Master."
bought them—Even the ungodly were bought by His "precious blood." It shall be their bitterest self-reproach in hell, that, as far as Christ's redemption was concerned, they might have been saved. The denial of His propitiatory sacrifice is included in the meaning (compare 1 John 4:3).
bring upon themselves—compare "God bringing in the flood upon the world," 2 Peter 2:5. Man brings upon himself the vengeance which God brings upon him.
swift—swiftly descending: as the Lord's coming shall be swift and sudden. As the ground swallowed up Korah and Dathan, and "they went down quick into the pit." Compare Judges 1:11, which is akin to this passage.
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